Published Paper Details:

ABSTRACT The use of medicinal plants for the prevention and treatment of various ailments has been in practice from the time immemorial. Acacia arabica (Lam.) Willd. belonging to family Fabaceae has been reported to be effective against a variety of disease such as diabetes, hypertension, skin disorders and cancer. The plant has been mentioned by the name of Aqaqia or Ummeghilan in ancient Unani literature. Different parts of the plant viz., Gum, Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds and Pods are used as medicine among various ethnic and rural societies. Gum acacia is the dried gummy exudate which is popularly known as Samgh arabi in traditional Unani medicine. The parts of the plant are considered as astringent, demulcent, emollient, aphrodisiac, haemostatic, anti-diarrhoeal with good nutritional value in Unani medicine. This communication is an attempt to compile and document information on different aspects of Acacia arabica mentioned in classical Unani as well as modern literature. The plant has been suggested to be taken up for further scientific investigations so as to validate the medicinal claims presented herein and to utilize its maximum therapeutic potential.